By Amaka Amaka
The wife of the governor of Enugu state Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah has charged women to invest on self in readiness for inclusion opportunities.
Mrs Mbah stated this at an event organized by the Women Committee, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Enugu state chapter to commemorate 2024 International Women’s Day.
Mrs Mbah represented by Dr. Uzoamaka Okenwa said “the greatest mission of Her Excellency in Enugu is to identify with women irrespective of class.
“We have come to a point where we can identify our place and bring it up to limelight.
His Excellency operates an open policy, He is always looking for what she can do to ensure that you and I are happy.
Build yourself first, build your own career, eschew jealousy, envy, hatred and wickedness for fellow women. Let us stop pull her down syndrome, let us believe in one another. She also said.
The Commissioner for Gender Affairs, Children and Social Development Enugu state, Mrs Ngozi Enih on the other hand said “International Women’s Day is celebrated all over the world and Enugu State is no exception. The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is very appropriate and timely. Women are encouraged to see themselves as family leaders, organizers, and people who are involved in managing their families”.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Nkechi Ewoh she continued “This year’s celebration has included a number of activities designed to empower women intellectually and encourage them to participate in economic development at the local, state, and national levels.
“The ministry is committed to working with the Women Committee, Nigerian Labor Congress to empower women and promote gender equality. We are committed to creating opportunities for women in the areas of education, employment, and entrepreneurship. I encourage all women to participate in these opportunities and to take advantage of the resources available to them. Together, we can make a difference and create a better future for women in Enugu State and beyond.”
Also from the ministry of Labour and productivity, Mr Romans Eze who represented the commissioner said “I want to thank the organizers of this event and state that we must not forget the importance of women in society.
Without women, no society can exist. It’s because of this that the United Nations set aside a day to celebrate women every year. However, women still feel that they are not included in decision-making processes.
Including women in the society will help us rekindle our agenda for equality and proper gender balance.“
“In addition, We must work together to create a society where everyone is respected and valued, regardless of gender.”
The NLC Chairman Enugu state, Comrade Fabian Nwigbo in a speech said, “It is important to recognize that women face unique challenges and barriers in our society. However, I believe that if we work together, we can overcome these challenges and achieve equality for all. As a He for She, I am proud to be part of this movement for change, and I hope that you will join me in making a difference.”
In a paper presentation on Inspire Inclusion by Investing on Women Workers, The lead paper presenter, Barr. Nnenna Anozie said “Today, I am honored to be part of this special “`occasion“` , International Women’s Day by Women Committee NLC Enugu state, as we celebrate the progress that women have made and continue to make. This day is a reminder of the struggles we have faced, but also of the strength and resilience we have shown in overcoming them.”
“I want to emphasize that women are capable of so much more than what society often tells us. We are not defined by our gender, but by our achievements and our potential because our potential is greater than our limitations, Let us remember that women have made significant contributions to our world, and we must continue to fight the cause especially by building on self first.”
She continued “I know many women who do not depend on their monthly salaries. They are business owners, entrepreneurs, and creators. Many of them even borrow money to fund their businesses, and they will tell you that they do not regret it.
By the end of the month, they have more than what they started with.
This is the kind of economic empowerment I’m talking about. “
“I believe that policies that promote women’s rights will lead to a more just and equitable society.”
Women have a unique perspective to offer, and their voices should be heard in all areas of society. She added.
She equally used the opportunity to encourage women to report every cases of abuse to appropriate quarters and ensure perpetrators are charged with Violence Against Person’s Prohibition (VAPP) Law
The President Muslim Sisters Organization Enugu state, Mrs Offordile Fatima Ebere encouraged women to always organize their homes and lives in a way that allow them to participate in social and economic activities.
Fatima in her message of self-empowerment, emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself and working hard to achieve one’s goals.
This is a message that should be shared and celebrated by everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs.”
Earlier in a welcome address, the chairperson NLC Women Committee Enugu state, Comrade Ugwu Rosemary U. said “today as we gather to celebrate the International Women’s Day, we stand on the shoulders of countless courageous women who have paved the way for progress and equality to challenge the status quo and create a world where every woman and girl can win this discrimination and inequality.
“We need to have a shift in cultural attitude and societal norms. Women need to take their rightful place as leaders in every aspect of decision making especially those that affect them. Government at all levels must have to invest in and ensure women have access to healthcare and reproductive rights and as well promote economic opportunities for them. We must stand against Gender Based Violence and discrimination in all its norms“
Some of the organizations in attendance included Nigeria Union of Journalist Enugu represented by the state Secretary, Comrade Ifeoma Amuta,
Nigeria Association of Women Journalist led by the state chairperson, Comrade Ngozi ngene, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives led by Dr. Mrs Ngozi Ugwu, TUC Women Committee Enugu state, National Council for Women Society led by Lady chichi Ogbu and Nigeria Union of Pensioners Enugu state led by Comrade Ikechukwu Ekere.
Our correspondent reports that the event which was held at Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi Press Center Enugu had the theme “Inspire Inclusion.”
